"This agreement envisages the immediate lifting of customs barriers for goods from the moment of its adoption by the (countries’) institutions," said Attiya. Lifting customs tariffs for services will take place in stages. The accord excludes products banned by either of the two parties "for religious, sanitary, security, ecological or social reasons".

The GCC secretary general said he hoped the agreement would set an example for other countries in the region and be a milestone in setting up an Arab free trade zone. (menareport.com)